New Zealand referee Mike Hester’s cup run will continue into the knockout stages after the Auckland resident was appointed as fourth official for today’s Round of 16 clash between the United States and Ghana.
The naval officer made history earlier by becoming the first New Zealander to take charge of a game at a FIFA World Cup when he controlled Korea Republic’s 2-0 win over Greece at Port Elizabeth on June 12.
Countryman Jan Hendrik Hintz and Tonga’s Tevita Makasini were his assistant referees for the historic moment.
Hester’s appointment for Ghana’s meeting with the States comes after the involvement of several Oceania officials in FIFA World Cup group games.
Fellow Kiwi Peter O’Leary acted as fourth official for the eagerly-anticipated Group G match between Portugal and Brazil on June 25 in Durban, while fellow Kiwi Brent Best was on standby as reserve assistant referee.
The game between two of the tournament’s heavyweights failed to live up to expectations and finished 0-0.
O’Leary and Best had earlier joined forces and performed the same roles to oversee Denmark’s 2-1 win against Cameroon in Group E on June 19 in Pretoria.
Hamilton school teacher O’Leary was also fourth official for Mexico’s 2-0 win over France in Polokwane on June 17 and Argentina’s 2-0 disposal of Greece at the same venue five days later.
The reserve assistant referee on both occasions was Solomon Islands official Matthew Taro, who is the nation’s first referee to ever attend a FIFA World Cup.
Hester and Hendrik Hintz were also fourth official and reserve assistant referee respectively for England’s scoreless draw against Algeria on June 18 in Cape Town.
By taking part in South Africa, Hester, O’Leary and co are following in the footsteps of New Zealand’s Paul Smith, who ran the line for three matches at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan.
The six Oceania officials make up two refereeing trios and are among only 30 trios chosen for the World Cup.
They earned their places after making it through a vigorous selection process.